$7,500 Reward Offered for Bald Eagle Shot in Arkansas

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are seeking information about the shooting of a bald eagle, who was found on the Arkansas River in Logan County, Arkansas. The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible.

On Dec. 19, 2014, local residents found the injured bald eagle on an island on the Arkansas River near Paris Bottoms. The animal was shot in the wing and leg, likely while she was perched on a branch, and still had a bullet lodged in her body. She suffered from a broken leg and malnutrition. The eagle was transported to an area rehabilitation center for treatment and will be released once she makes a full recovery.

Glen Pye, special agent for USFWS, said: “Shooting a bald eagle undermines important efforts to protect our national symbol. We are very interested in any information regarding this illegal act.”

Desiree Bender, Arkansas legislative director for The HSUS, said: “Those responsible for this crime left this animal to suffer and blatantly disregarded federal law. We are grateful to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for their determination to bring the offenders to justice.”

Although bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, they are still federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Maximum fines under these acts are $100,000 and $15,000 respectively, with possible imprisonment up to one year.

Anyone with information should call Special Agent Glen Pye with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 501/772-8010 or the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 800/482-9262.